Estimator

What do estimators do?

Estimators are a vital part of every construction project because they work out exactly how much it will cost to build. They are also a crucial part of many other industries, including manufacturing and engineering, so this job has wide appeal.

Estimators will work across all types of projects, from building BAA’s new Terminal 5 project at Heathrow, to building new facilities such Arsenal’s new Emirates Stadium and many other construction projects.

The estimators produce are used by their employer – usually a construction contractor – to ensure they submit an appropriately priced tender when they are bidding for new work. An estimator will work out how much a project is likely to cost to build – in terms of time involved, materials and labour requirements- so that contractors can ensure they make an acceptable return on the resources employed.

He/she will prepare tender prices from the architect's drawings and the bill of quantities supplied by the client.

Estimators, who are mostly office-based, mainly work for a contractor or a specialist subcontractor. They need to have good communication skills as they work closely with other colleagues such as construction managers, planners, buyers and quantity surveyors.

They will be expected to regularly liaise with client's representatives, including architects and engineers.

An estimator’s tasks include:

• Determining a final figure for the estimated cost, supplemented by adjustments for overheads and profit, and presenting a tender price.
• Calculating the cost of plant and equipment.
• Working with the planning engineer - a prediction of the likely progress and completion rate of the project must be calculated, bearing in mind bonus payments and subcontract arrangements.
• Estimating a final figure for the estimated cost, supplemented by adjustments for overheads and profit, and presenting a tender price.
• Detailing all the materials needed on the project to meet the required specification.

Qualifications and training

There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as an estimator and a knowledge of the construction industry is not always essential.

It is a good idea to have GCSE/S Grade passes in Science, Technology, and particularly Maths as this will be helpful for measurements and estimations.Good communication and organisational skills are key in this role.

Apprenticeships are available in this role and those entering into estimating usually begin their training as an assistant technician, and then progress on to more supervisory roles.

Salary

Assistant estimators can expect to earn about £17,000, while senior estimators can take home around £28,000. As with most jobs, salaries in London are higher.

Find estimator jobs

Browse estimator (and quantity surveyor) jobs on ConstructionJobsUK.